Barrett Seeks Interns, Volunteers

Gubernatorial hopeful and state Senator Michael J. Barrett '70 (D-Cambridge) yesterday kicked off an effort to draw college students into his campaign by postering the Harvard and Tufts campuses.

Campaign workers hung about fifty posters advertising "internships and volunteer positions" throughout the Yard yesterday morning, said Christopher F. Noble, Barrett's director of field operations.

"We're looking primarily for three main things--folks who work on signature drives, folks who set up coffees and house parties for Mike across the state, and folks who work at the Convention," Noble said. "We're also looking folks to work in the office."

Anson E.W. Kaye, who is handling college recruiting for the Barrette Campaign, says he does not yet know the number of positions available or salary amounts.

"It really depends on the response," Kaye said. "[Positions] have a lot to do with the interests of students."

Noble said he hopes many college students will want to volunteer for the nonpaying jobs.

"We're hoping a lot of people will want to build political experience," Noble said.

Kaye said the campaign is looking for energetic and motivated individuals, and he expects many "Student activists" to apply for the internships.

"In think the Democratic party and Mike's record lend themselves nicely to someone who had knowledge of particular issues" Kaye said. "Experience is a plus, not a necessity."

Barrett is campaigning as a strong supporter of universal health care and financial support for small business.

Noble said Barrett's desire for college interns fits in with his campaign strategy.

"Mike's whole campaign is about challenging business as usual politics and proving that you don't need to run a campaign with rich lawyers raising money from other rich lawyers," Noble said.

Noble said "four or five" students inquired about the internships yesterday afternoon.

Barrett and State Rep. Mark D. Roosevelt '78 (D-Beacon Hill) are currently the only Democratic candidates to have declared their candidacy for governor. In order to appear on the primary ballot, candidates must earn the support of at least ten percent of the delegates to the state Democratic convention this June.